Roam

In Italy, an Orange to the Face

Feb042016

If you’re planning to visit the northern Italian town of Ivrea this Sunday, make sure to wear a red hat. It’s something of a white flag, a sign that you are a non-combatant. This is key, because unlike the Spaniards of Buñol, these revelers don’t throw tomatoes or other soft fruit at each other. In Ivrea, oranges are the official projectiles of Historical Carnival. Skip the red hat, and there’s a good chance you’ll be hit in the face by one. Unsurprisingly, injuries are common at the Historical Carnival celebrations.

During the battle, orange-throwers on foot attack the feudal lord’s army, represented by people on horse-drawn carriages who wear protective masks reminiscent of ancient armor. But really, anyone who isn’t wearing a berretto frigio (the traditional red hat) is fair game. From the frontlines of Ivrea, photographer Stefania Bosso put her face (and camera) in the line of fire to bring us this photo report.

A picture of local child, traditionally dressed for The Carnival.

A horse adorned, waiting for the parade.

During the Battle of Oranges.

An orange thrower, on foot without protection, gives his hand to a cart thrower, who wears a protective mask reminiscent of ancient armor.

A dirty and injured fighter.

An illustration of a fighting soldier, with real orange shrapnel.

An injured fighter nursing himself with an orange

Orange throwers.

Kiss between fighters.

At the end of the battle the ground is covered by broken and pulped oranges.